The Capital Improvement Board of Marion County has issued a request for proposals from firms interested in providing security services at Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indiana Convention Center.

CIB sent out the RFP Wednesday and expects to award a contract on March 14, with an official start date of April 16. Terms call for a three-year deal with the option for a two-year extension.

Companies can bid on one, two or all three of the desired services: 24-hour building security at the convention center, 24-hour building and event staffing at the stadium, and armed guards and special deputies for events at both locations.

Currently, ESG Security Inc. provides security at the convention center, California-based Contemporary Services Corp. provides security at the stadium, and Protection Plus Inc. supplies the armed guards, who are mostly off-duty police officers.

All companies are based in Indianapolis. Their contracts, which expire at the end of the year, have been extended through April 15.

The CIB's 2011 budget includes $3.1 million for security.

A consultant who put together the RFP told the CIB to “expect a highly competitive procurement with much interest.”

CIB Executive Director Barney Levengood said the group will reach out to firms nationwide that provide security for NFL functions to ensure they’re aware of the proposal.